PUG MUG MARVEL!

A neighbour’s mischievous mutt has inspired a Bahrain artist to put her talents to the test and provide pet lovers with immortal images of their furry friends.

Ellissa Williamson has picked up her paint brushes and has been delighted by the interest shown in her work as people have come snapping to her heels wanting paintings of their beloved animals too.

“My neighbour owns Lola,” explained the British mother-of-three, who lives in Saar, “and we were having some tea in her kitchen when Lola tried to jump up onto my lap.

“Lola was almost one when I painted her. Her face was so full of character and she has such a cheeky personality. I told my friend that she would be so fantastic to paint.”

Lola, a gorgeous, playful bulldog became her first subject and after several sittings people went barking mad over the portrait. “The reaction I received from family and friends was so overwhelming that it encouraged me to paint more,” said Ellissa.

“I started to think seriously about it as an alternative to the classic pet portrait, wanting to offer a more modern style.

“There’s more to copying an image when it comes to art, there’s always an element of interpretation, so capturing that special look in a pet’s eyes, the spirit behind the personality or their playful sense of humour, these all make a unique painting. One look is worth a thousand words.”

Ellissa moved to Bahrain with her husband, businessman Martin, and their children, Luke, 12, and Liliana, 10. The couple now also have a younger son, Leonardo, seven. The story is familiar with many expat families.

Mother-of-three Elissa Williamson said: “We came for two years then fell in love with the pace of life and the people and nine years later…” she said.

“I have always loved drawing and sketching. During my early teens, I spent most of my summer holidays in England on a farm in rural Somerset.

“Surrounded by beautiful nature, but not much else, I armed myself with a sketchbook and basics and would wander off through fields sketching animals, trees and flowers.

“Then a few years later I spent the summer in Paris with a friend. Around 27 years later I can still remember walking into the Musee d’Orsay and never wanting to leave – it was an incredible feeling to be mesmerised by art.”

But it wasn’t until much later that she started to paint seriously.

Ellissa said: “I started an art class here in Bahrain, a few years ago, with the lovely Reem at Artology, first using acrylic and then moving and falling in love with oils.

“I really love to paint, I would rather use a brush than a pen and I like to work with my hands and make things.”

And to prove a point the talented mum has also got her hand in producing other artistic pieces which are equally in demand, such as Little Prints jewellery, which is all handmade and personalised.

“It captures a little one’s fingerprint, hand, footprint, drawing or special writing. These can then be made into beautiful pendants, charms, cufflinks and key rings,” she said. “I use an inkless wipe (which is easy to use and non messy) to take your child’s handprints and footprints, or pets paw prints.

“All the jewellery is handcrafted in sterling silver; hand inscribed and hand polished, shaped and finished to a very high standard. It’s a lovely gift or keepsake. Key rings and cufflinks are also very popular for dads and granddads. Pendants and charms are very popular for mothers and grandmothers.

“To take a fingerprint, a child’s first drawing or piece of writing, and then make it into jewellery is an incredible process and that moment in time can be captured forever.”

And stunning 3D hand and foot sculptures are also proving popular too. Ellissa explained: “I take an impression of the child’s hands and feet. The casting powder is of the highest quality ensuring as much detail as possible to every hand and foot sculpture.

“The materials used are all natural and harmless. I only use premium quality casting stone, never plaster, as it is too soft.

“All the sculptures are framed beautifully and there are various sizes and styles to choose from. It really does mean you can treasure the beauty of the children’s hands and feet forever!”

But how does she manage her time with so many artistic elements to her life. She explained: “My children are older now and working from home offers great flexibility so I should be able to juggle working and family life without too many hiccups!”

* For further details on Ellissa’s artistic endeavours email ellissa@littleprints4you.com or via Instagram on littleprints4you and Facebook www.facebook.com/LittlePrints4you